Characteristics of OCD

• What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

  Repetitive compulsions: they are compelled to repeat behaviour such as washing hands

  
  

  Compulsions reduce anxiety: these behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by these obsessions. Often irrational behaviour

  
  

  Avoidance: they avoid mostly 'normal' situations that trigger their anxiety which can impact their day to day life
• What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

  Anxiety and distress: they have unpleasant emotional experiences due to powerful anxiety

  
  

  Accompanying depression: their anxiety is accompanied by a low mood and a lack of enjoyment in activities although their compulsive behaviours can briefly relieve this anxiety

  
  

  Guilt and disgust: irrational feelings of guilt or disgust that can be directed to themselves or external things
• What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  Insight into excessive anxiety: they are aware that their thoughts are irrational but cannot control them and are hyper vigilant to potential hazards

  
  

  Obsessive thoughts: they have irrational and recurring thoughts

  
  

  Coping strategies: they adopt cognitive coping strategies to deal with obsessions. This can help manage their anxiety but may make them seem abnormal as it can distract them from their everyday tasks
• What is OCD?

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder is classed as an anxiety disorder characterised by obsessions (persistent intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviours)
  • e.g. hoarding disorder is the compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with them